Protesters gathered outside the Iowa Memorial Union Monday evening as the Young Americans for Freedom welcomed The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles inside.
At least 75 protesters huddled in Hubbard Park on a chilly fall evening, about a half hour before the event started. They then crossed the street and stayed south of the building’s main entrance until about 45 minutes after the event ended. The group of protesters chanted: “Trans rights are human rights,” “Transphobes beware, we’re not going anywhere,” and “We will not be silenced by transphobic violence.”
A few people from the protest also trickled into the IMU before it started and seemed to leave without incident near the end.
Several protesters declined the Press-Citizen’s request for comment. Many in the group wore masks.
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Conservative Knowles says “transgenderism must be eradicated”
Knowles, a podcast host and conservative personality for the Ben Shapiro-founded Daily Wire, has previously said that “transgenderism must be eradicated from public life,” calling transgender ideology “ridiculous,” according to the American Constitution Society. self-proclaimed “progressive” legal organization.
Monday’s visit was intended to highlight a “vision for America’s future” following former President Donald Trump’s victory in last week’s presidential election, the UI chapter of Young Americans wrote in a news release.
Monday’s protest went off largely without incident.
As people began crowding out of the event, protesters moved closer to the IMU doors and chanted “(Expletive) you fascists.”
A few people leaving the building spoke – sometimes shouted – to the protesters, saying, “Trump is your president.”
One person wore a Make America Great Again hat and held a large speaker as he played Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” which is often played at Trump’s political rallies. The song was also played early last Wednesday before Trump delivered his victory speech at Mar-A-Lago.
The person playing the song attracted some attention from the protesters, but the two sides remained a few meters apart. Another man showed an iPad displaying the Electoral College map. Police encouraged the two people not to antagonize the protesters.
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Protesters, police have changed actions since two protests in 2023
Monday’s protest marked a significant change in behavior from both police and demonstrators after two major protests at Young Americans for Freedom events in 2023.
During protests against Daily Wire contributor Matt Walsh and “detransitioned” Chloe Cole, demonstrators filled the intersection at the Iowa Memorial Union, blocking traffic and marching through Iowa City.
Protests during Cole’s visit led to charges against seven transgender protesters and community outrage and criticism of the district attorney. Johnson County Democrats attempted to enact a censure, but ultimately failed. One of the seven protesters took their case to court and was acquitted by a jury of their peers.
Police have set up barricades outside the Iowa Memorial Union ahead of several Young Americans events to prevent protesters from obstructing traffic or entering the speaking area. Knowles’ visit on Monday was the first major protest since Cole’s appearance last October.
Local officers handed out free speech cards on Monday, showing what protesters are allowed to do. Under University of Iowa policy, protesters may not block doorways or roadways, nor may they cause disruptions during events.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Protesters gather on UI campus as Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles visits
